The Next Generation of L Band Radiometry: User’s Requirements and Technical Solutions

After almost 10 years in operation (SMOS- Aquarius - SMAP) the very high potential of L band radiometry is clearly demonstrated. Several applications are already operational (assimilation at ECMWF, for hurricanes, for sea ice etc.) so it is crucial to maintain such measurements. To do so while satisfying the current missions specifications is also of prime importance. Degrading spatial resolution is thus a significant step back which will impact science and applications). These missions are now getting older and the goal of the study presented in this paper is to assess which planned mission could fulfill the requirements to ensure data continuity. For this purpose, an extensive users’ requirements study was performed in 2018-2019 assessing what would be required in the near future as well as when L band radiometry was absolutely necessary to satisfy the requirements. From the gathered results a cluster analysis was performed and the only.